Safaricom has completed the first phase of its state-of-the-art data center in Limuru, Kenya, marking a key milestone. Located in Redhill, the center will expand to include three buildings and aims for a 2.8MW IT capacity by January 2026. It will be built to Tier III standards, utilizing free cooling and solar energy, and includes an innovation lab.
Safaricom, a leading mobile operator in Kenya, has achieved a significant milestone by completing phase one of its cutting-edge data center located in Limuru. This facility, situated in Redhill, consists of three buildings, with the first building’s phase one now finalized.
The second phase of construction is set to enhance IT capacity to 2.8MW by January 2026. However, the total IT capacity after full completion remains unspecified. The data center is designed to Tier III standards, ensuring high reliability.
Innovatively, the facility will utilize free cooling methods and incorporate solar energy alongside grid power. A dedicated innovation lab is also part of this project, aimed at fostering new technological developments, although specific details about the lab have not been disclosed.
Esther Karuga, senior manager and overall lead for the facility, stated, “When we call it world-class, we’ve already been tested in terms of best practices and industry standards, which means we play in the same league with Google and Microsoft.” Limuru’s proximity to Nairobi, which hosts notable data centers like Digital Realty and MTN, enhances its strategic importance.
Safaricom also manages three additional facilities in and around Nairobi, as well as two data centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, demonstrating its commitment to expanding data service capabilities in the region.
Safaricom’s completion of phase one of its Limuru data center marks a crucial step towards establishing a world-class facility aligned with industry standards. The center will incorporate advanced technologies such as free cooling and solar energy, highlighting Safaricom’s emphasis on sustainability and innovation. As the project progresses to its next phases, the center aims to position itself competitively alongside major global players in the data center space.
Original Source: broadcastmediaafrica.com
